We took Laurie, my photographer friend on the Triton 28 with us to Terciera for a little new island sight seeing.  It was fun having a girl friend along for a few days. We went to the beach and swam, ran along the beach, hit the way cool playground and tackled some of the park style workout equipment, including a zip ride, and of course went shopping. While we were shopping we heard a guy standing next to probably the coolest old Land Rover I’d ever seen speaking American English. Later we saw the same guy and he asked where we were from. He figured we weren’t locals by  A: the way we turned around and smiled as we heard him talk English to some local, and B: we were speaking American English and C; apparently red hair is unusual here!

So we talked and met Allen Venn. Who came to Terciera 4 years ago, fell in the love with the place and bought a house. He has fig trees growing out the wazoo and invited us to come over and pick figs. We already had planned on touring the island with a car the next day so we got his number and made a loose plan to stop by. He showed us on the map the “general “ spot where his house is, told us it’s modern grey and white, on the coast and his truck as a landmark. Not like there is a “street” with a “number” on it.

So the next day we piled into our rental car and went in the general direction of the dot on the map. Our cell phone attempts failed so we were literally looking for a modern house with his truck in front.  Meanwhile we found some great sights and views of off the beaten track places on Terciera. But we couldn’t find Allen.

So we stopped at a café, found a local who could help us with the local call and got him! We were right down the road! And sure enough, we found Allen in front of his house with the truck. And we picked figs. And more figs. And grapes. And we met the 3 Arabian horses that live n Allen’s property , just to keep the grass “cut”. And we got a tour of his way cool house over looking the ocean. (he saw us sailing in) And we learned that he has had lots of sailing experience, has a boat in the Philipines  a house in England, a house in Atlanta, and an incredible fun spirit.  We had so much fun visiting with him we joked and said “wanna go to Lisbon with us?”

By Noon the next day his bags were packed and by 7:30 that evening he was on our boat with Robert, Philip and I!   Laurie had to return by Ferry to Horta,

So now we have 4 people!  and the watches are an easy 2 hours on, with 6 hours off! Like vacation!

And I made fig jam!   Life is good.